The Hip Event at Neiman Marcus is a fashion fest, with a focus on the hottest lines in men's and women's contemporary sportswear. For women, this spring's look is all about brilliant color and bold prints from designers such as Tory Burch, Adam Lippes, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Phoebe Couture. Men's looks are all about Puma kicks, Oliver Peoples shades and a fab fedora.

Mannequins will be dressed to stress the trends, and sales associates will be available to help customers inject a bit of hip into personal styles. Customers who purchase $500 or more in women's contemporary can score a bright orange tote by Tory Burch; guys who spend more than $500 in contemporary sportswear will receive a D&G Dolce & Gabbana watch. The Hip Event takes place today and tomorrow during regular store hours.

Also happening at Neiman Marcus today is an appearance by Larry Leight, founder of eyewear company Oliver Peoples, a favorite with fashionistas and celebrities the world over.

A T-PARTY IN CHINATOWN

No, this is not a tea party with scones, Devonshire cream and Earl Grey. It's a T-Party featuring a sale of tees by select local artists and designers. And there's an added benefit: A portion of the proceeds goes to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai'i.

T-Party will feature wearable art by local artists, small-run screen-printed shirts and new T-shirt lines by local designers. Affordable artwork also will make an appearance, offering emerging (read: young) collectors an opportunity to collect emerging artists (read: inexpensive).

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow in the Nu'uanu Gallery at Marks Garage. It's part of the Honolulu Arts District's Spring Sidewalk Sale event. Information: 536-9828 or e-mail mariko@nuuanugallery.com.

ANOTHER LOCAL BOUTIQUE IS CLOSING

So far, 2008 has been a tough year for many local boutiques. Add one more to the list of locally owned specialty clothing stores that have closed (ADASA, Rafael, J. Boudoir, Morgan Beret, Off the Mat and Vera Wang Boutique): Hot Mama Maternity. After three years of serving her hapai customers, their families and friends, owner Paige Bradbury has decided to close her Kaimuki boutique.

"When I opened, I was just about the only maternity store on O'ahu," Bradbury said. "Now there are four or five new ones, so all arrows point to something new for me." Before opening Hot Mama Maternity, Bradbury taught writing at Kapi'olani Community College and at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. She may go back to teaching or she may, she said, decide to do something entirely different.

Everything in the store will go on sale tomorrow at 40 percent off. Even the fixtures will be sold. Information: 737-2737.

A FIRST LOOK AT MISSUEL

Yet another Hawai'i-based designer who has dreamed of making his move in the fashion world is about to be introduced in an unexpected venue. Fina, a boutique specializing in art and home accessories, will hold a trunk show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow. In the manner of many designers today, Missuel, who recently moved here from Mexico, goes by a single moniker. He describes his clothing as "sexy and inspired by Valentino." He fashions this small first collection from cotton, Spandex, silk and polyester, and embellishes the pieces with semiprecious stones and Swarovski crystals. Prices are $175 and up, he said. Fina is in the Pan Am Building, 1600 Kapi'olani Blvd. Information: 947-8798.

MAUKA TO MAKAI OPENS ON BIG ISLAND

Mauka to Makai, the outdoor gear outfitter that's been operating in Ward Centre since 2005, recently opened a second shop at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. The store offers outdoor gear and garments from such companies as Patagonia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, DaKine and Vasque Shoes. Right next door, The Grin opened its first Hawai'i boutique. The Grin, a New England-based apparel and accessories firm, features the brand Life is Good, known for its amusing T-shirts and hats featuring a smiling stick figure named Jake and his dog Rocket.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.